How Long Does It Take to Fill a Hot Tub?
So, you’ve got a brand-new hot tub or you're prepping it for the weekend — and you’re wondering: how long will this thing take to fill up? The answer isn’t one-size-fits-all, but don’t worry — we’ve broken it down to make your spa day prep as smooth as possible.
What Affects the Fill Time?
There are a few key things that influence how quickly your hot tub fills:
-
Hot Tub Size (in gallons)
The more water your tub holds, the longer it takes to fill — simple math. -
Water Flow Rate (GPM - Gallons Per Minute)
This is how fast water comes out of your hose. A higher GPM means a faster fill. -
Water Source
Whether you're using a garden hose, indoor tap, or high-pressure spigot can make a big difference in speed.
Average Hot Tub Fill Time Estimates
|
Hot Tub Size |
Water Flow Rate (GPM) |
Estimated Fill Time |
|
300 gallons |
10 GPM |
~30 minutes |
|
400 gallons |
10 GPM |
~40 minutes |
|
500 gallons |
10 GPM |
~50 minutes |
Quick Note: A standard garden hose typically delivers 6–12 GPM, depending on your water pressure and hose length.
Pro Tips for a Hassle-Free Fill-Up
-
Check Your Water Pressure
Higher pressure = faster filling. Use a wide-diameter hose if possible. -
Use a Clean Hose
Avoid sending dirt or garden grime into your tub — especially if it’s a new install. -
Stay Nearby While It Fills
Hot tubs can go from “almost full” to “overflow” pretty fast. Be ready to shut it off. -
Add Water Filters (Optional)
Some people prefer to use inline filters when filling to reduce impurities from tap water. -
Don’t Use Hot Water Unless Approved
If you're filling with warm water, make sure your spa shell and plumbing are rated for it.
Final Thoughts
Filling a hot tub typically takes 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the size and water flow. While it’s not an all-day task, a little planning can save you from surprises (or spills!).
Want help calculating your exact fill time?
Just let me know your tub size in gallons and hose type or GPM, and I’ll do the math for you!
Now that your tub’s filling — it’s almost time to relax, soak, and let the bubbles take over.
Our Quality
It is easy for a website to claim they have the best quality but at MySpaCover we guarantee it. We utilize only the highest quality materials and the most sophisticated processes to offer the best covers available online. Here is how our covers compare to the competition:
MYSPACOVER
Our heavy-duty handles come standard and are double stitched using marine grade vinyl to ensure the highest durability and most attractive aesthetics.
Our standard straps are double stitched and are also produced with marine-grade vinyl.
We double stitch every seam and hinge to ensure your spa cover can be used for years to come.
Other Guys
Their cheap handles are more prone to wear and tear and are known to rip off within the first two years plus the appearance speaks for itself.
Our competition uses low-quality straps that are prone to breakage and often times do not match the color of the spa cover.
Their use of single stitching and exposed shells can ultimately cause cracking and heat loss, costing you more on your electric bill.
The Underside
The underside of a spa cover is often overlooked. However, this is the material that is in constant contact with high temperatures and the chemicals in your spa. The life of your spa cover depends on a high-quality spa underside. We don’t cut corners like the other guys so you can trust that our 6 mil plastic wrap is vapor sealed to the core and will keep the heat out.
MySpaCover utilizes an 11oz PVC coated poly that, after years of rigorous testing, has proven to be the best possible material to withstand constant high temperates and chemical exposure.
Beware of mesh bottoms used by competitors as this type of material is meant to cut costs and is prone to failure.